Self-led Learning vs. Instructor-Led Learning

Whether training engineers on your staff or onboarding new customers, there are two prominent pedagogies that most software companies entrust to teach developers the ins and outs of their product: instructor-led learning and self-led In the evolving education and skill acquisition landscape, two prominent methods stand out: self-led and instructor-led learning.

Each approach offers unique benefits and challenges, shaping learners' experiences and outcomes in diverse ways. Let’s dive in.

Understanding the Two Learning Methods

Instructor-led learning is the traditional educational approach where a teacher, tutor, or instructor guides the learning process. 

This method is characterized by structured classes, scheduled sessions, and a predefined curriculum aimed at delivering knowledge in a systematic way. It's prevalent in schools, universities, and professional training programs.

Alternatively, self-led learning (or hands-on learning as it’s often referred to in software circles) places the reins of education in the learners' hands. It encourages individuals to set their own learning goals, choose their resources, and determine the pace at which they learn. 

Which is better? It’s not quite that easy. No two learners are the same, so what may be the ideal learning method for one engineer, might not be for another. 

Let’s get a better understanding for the benefits and drawbacks of each method.

Benefits of Instructor-Led Learning

• Expert Guidance: Instructor-led learning offers the advantage of expert insights, immediate feedback, and personalized support to address individual challenges due to the instructor having complete control over the pace of the training.
• Structured Path: This model of learning provides a clear, structured path with objectives, making it easier for learners to follow and comprehend complex subjects.
• Social Interaction: Instructor-led learning is commonly executed in group, which facilitates peer interaction and collaboration, enhancing the learning experience through group discussions and activities.

Benefits of Self-Led Learning

• Flexibility and Customization: By relinquishing the control to the student, self-led learning allows learners to choose what, how, and when they learn, offering a personalized learning experience tailored to individual preferences and schedules.
• Self-Motivation and Responsibility: Self-led learning fosters a sense of independence, self-motivation, and responsibility towards one's own education.
• Unlimited Resources: Self-led learning provides students with access to a wide range of resources and learning materials across various platforms, enabling learners to explore subjects in depth.

Challenges and Considerations

Instructor-led learning is like having a GPS in the world of software development. It offers direction, points out the pitfalls before you fall in, and often ensures you reach your destination efficiently. Hands-on learning, on the other hand, is similar to exploration. It’s about empowering the engineer to chart their own course, discovering hidden paths, and sometimes getting lost only to find new solutions. A hiker is far more likely to get lose on the trail by themselves, then if they're with a group.

While instructor-led learning can sometimes be restrictive in terms of pace and subject matter, potentially limiting learners' exploration of topics outside the curriculum, self-led learning requires a high degree of self-discipline, motivation, and effective time management. The success of self-led learning also heavily depends on the learner's ability to identify reliable resources and construct a coherent learning path for themselves. As we noted above, it's all about the control.

An instructor-led method maximizes the ability to confine the learning of the student. This can of course both be a positive and a negative. For a learner that may struggle to stay focused and on schedule, instructor-led is great. However those guard rails can also prohibit learning and cause learners to engage less with the training.

Blending the Best of Both Worlds

A blended approach, incorporating elements of both instructor-led and self-led learning, can provide a comprehensive educational experience. This hybrid model allows learners to benefit from the guidance and structure of instructor-led sessions while enjoying the flexibility and personalization offered by self-led learning. For example, a learner might follow a structured course under the guidance of an instructor while simultaneously exploring related topics on their own.

So how can you get the best of both worlds? Check out Part 2 to learn how!

‍

‍